This gene encodes a member of an antimicrobial peptide family, characterized by a highly conserved N-terminal signal peptide containing a cathelin domain and a structurally variable cationic antimicrobial peptide, which is produced by extracellular proteolysis from the C-terminus. The protein plays an important role in innate immunity defense against viruses. In addition to its antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral activities, the encoded protein functions in cell chemotaxis, immune mediator induction, and inflammatory response regulation. Antimicrobial protein that is an integral component of the innate immune system. Binds to bacterial lipopolysaccharides (LPS) . Acts via neutrophil N-formyl peptide receptors to enhance the release of CXCL2. Postsecretory processing generates multiple cathelicidin antimicrobial peptides with various lengths which act as a topical antimicrobial defense in sweat on skin. The unprocessed precursor form, cathelicidin antimicrobial peptide, inhibits the growth of Gram-negative E.coli and E.aerogenes with efficiencies comparable to that of the mature peptide LL-37 (in vitro).